As technology continues to evolve, new opportunities arise for manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers to improve their processes. For more than 50 years, the barcode has been a symbol of efficiency and a reliable way to share data quickly. Today, however, the growing need to encode more information has given rise to new and more advanced 2D barcodes—soon to become the global standard.

Discover what this shift means for retailers here.

What is GS1?

GS1 is a global standards organization that works with industry stakeholders, governments, regulators, academia, and associations to create standards-based solutions that support efficient and accurate data exchange. GS1 is well known for creating standards for retail and healthcare, but it has also contributed to other industries such as foodservice and logistics. The organization continues to expand the possibilities of data encoding and barcode scanning.

“The future of product identification is two-dimensional” - GS1

Due to the need to encode more data within barcodes, linear 1D barcodes are soon to be replaced by 2D barcodes. Currently, GS1 provides five standards for 2D barcodes, which are used across a variety of industries. However, the two most widely known are the QR Code (GS1 Digital Link URI) and GS1 DataMatrix.

2D codes are already commonly used in the healthcare sector, and are beginning to roll out in the retail sector in the upcoming years. It is therefore important to know about the implications of such a change, and how to best prepare for it.

GS1 Standards to know about

As GS1 continuously introduces new guidelines and standards, there are plenty of resources available for retailers and other stakeholders. Here are some of the most prominent GS1 standards related to the switch to 2D barcodes.

GS1 General Specifications

The GS1 General Specifications is a document containing the core standards of the GS1 system. These standards describe how GS1 Barcodes and identification keys should be used, and serve as a guiding tool for manufacturers, retailers and suppliers.

The document is also continuously reviewed and updated, and detailed ratified changes to the GS1 General Specifications are added to the General Specifications Change Notifications (GSCNs).

2D Barcode standards

As mentioned, GS1 have advocated for a shift from 1D barcodes (such as EAN and UPC), to 2D barcodes (such as GS1 DataMatrix or QR codes with GS1 Digital Link). The new standards come with a variety of benefits, such as the 2D barcodes ability to store more data, better traceability, and higher supply chain visibility.

For Point-of-Sale use, a Global 2D programme has been initiated, which is a worldwide programme with the goal of transition from 1D to 2D barcodes. This is a collaboration between brand owners, retailers and GS1.

2D Barcode Specifications and Requirements

To ensure reliable scanning and accurate data capture from 2D barcodes—whether DataMatrix or QR codes—GS1 defines a set of clear specifications and requirements. These cover aspects such as data encoding rules, the correct use and placement of Function 1 characters (FNC1), and the need for sufficient quiet zones (clear space) around the barcode.

Because different industries may mandate specific barcode types and formats, it is essential to remain fully compliant with the relevant GS1 requirements for the symbol in use.

GS1 Digital Link

GS1 Digital Link is a new standard which makes it possible to use GS1 Identifiers, such as Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) or serial number, to be expressed as web-accessible URL. This means that one barcode can be used to provide information to multiple stakeholders, such as suppliers and end-consumers, while it is also possible to update the product information continuously.

The GS1 Digital Link brings the possibility to provide accurate and updated information, to a variety of stakeholders, without having to use multiple barcodes on the same package or pallet.

Is the 1D barcode going away soon?

Must all companies currently using 1D barcodes, immediately switch to 2D barcodes? No. Even though 2D barcodes offer several advantages, there will still be situations where 1D barcodes are preferred. In addition, not all companies require the extra capabilities that 2D barcodes provide, meaning they may not be in a hurry to replace their 1D systems.

That said, it is wise for companies to start preparing for 2D barcodes—whether implementation happens now or later. With their wide range of possibilities, even organizations outside the retail sector can benefit from adopting them. The shift is coming—will your business be ready?

About GS1

GS1 is a global collaboration where industry leaders, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders work together to create standards-based solutions aimed at addressing and solving the challenges of data exchange.

2D barcode guide: GS1 standards and their implications